For example, immature teratoma is a less common type of cancer, but it can still spread and affect nearby tissues. It is also more likely to recur after treatment. While rare, these cancers can develop into other types, including sarcoma, adenocarcinoma, and leukemia.
If left untreated, testicular cancer can spread to the rest of the body. Testicular cancer typically affects one or both testicles, though it can affect anyone. Women, male-assigned non-binary, intersex individuals, and transgender men can develop the condition. In most cases, however, the most common age at which this cancer develops is in young men. In fact, more than 75 percent of cases in young men are diagnosed before they are age 50.
Early warning signs of testicular cancer include early onset of puberty in boys, the development of body and facial hair, and the deepening of a man’s voice. Symptoms may include pain or swelling of the testicles, or they may be benign. A doctor can determine the exact cause of your symptoms and make recommendations on treatment. If you suspect that you have testicular cancer, see your healthcare provider right away. In addition to an annual physical, many physicians recommend a monthly testicular examination.
Among men, testicular cancer is the second most common cancer in young men. While it does not happen frequently, it is one of the most common cancers in young men. Seminoma, the most common type, starts in the germ cells, which are responsible for making sperm. Seminomas and non-seminomas are the two main types of testicular cancer. Non-seminoma tumors include leydig cell tumors, Sertoli cell tumors, and non-seminomas.
Some types of testicular cancer are hereditary. It runs in families, with men with Down syndrome or a family history of testicular cancer having a 4% chance of developing the disease again. Other risk factors include HIV infection, abnormal bleeding, and estrogen therapy. In addition to having a family history of testicular cancer, a man with a chromosomal disorder has a greater risk of developing the disease.
After the diagnosis of stage III cancer, survivors will undergo surveillance for cancer. This involves regular appointments with a doctor and undergo tests to determine the extent of cancer spread. Blood tests may measure levels of hormones, such as human chorionic gonadotropin, and may also reveal whether cancer has spread to other areas of the body. MRIs, on the other hand, use radio waves and magnets to create pictures of the inside of the body.
The treatment for testicular cancer varies depending on its stage at diagnosis. It may be curable in the early stages, and most boys will remain fertile into their adulthood. During the recovery period, patients should limit physical activity and do not have sex for two weeks. After treatment, they must be monitored for the risk of heart failure and cardiovascular problems. It is important to seek support to address the concerns related to fertility and treatment.
